when marnie was there
2015 review number 56:
When Marnie Was There: (Animated): 73 out of 100: From the acclaimed Studio Ghibli comes this delicate and heartfelt drama from Japan. Studio Ghibli's prominence is the equivalent of Hollywood's Walt Disney Studios when it comes to animation although the themes are vastly different. You won't be seeing characters breaking out in song in these Japanese films.
Anna (Sara Takatsuki) is a young girl who is sent by her guardian to the country to stay with her uncle and aunt. Anna is an outsider who has some health issues and it is felt that she would benefit by having an extended stay in the rural fishing village. One day she meets a girl (Marnie voiced by Kasumi Anmura) of roughly the same age as her and develops a friendship with her but is Marnie who she really seems to be?
Like a lot of these Japanese animated features, the character development in this film is exemplary. You develop an empathy with the characters, especially the lead ones. However, this characterisation occasionally comes at a cost as the pace is leisurely. Those viewers expecting plenty of movement will be left disappointed.
The hand-drawn images are superb with the use of colour providing spectacular visuals. Sometimes it feels like you are staring at a painting. People who appreciate the classic form of animation with its hand-drawn images will be spellbound throughout the film.
There is some beautiful music to accompany the visuals which promote the dramatic scenes although there are some scenes that border on the melodramatic. If you don't mind being moved by some characters experiencing grief, then you can overlook the melodrama and enjoy the rich detailing of the characters.
"When Marnie Was There" continues the fine tradition of Japanese animation especially through Studio Ghibli. If you are a fan of Japanese cartoons you will appreciate the latest animated feature.
Featuring the voices of Sara Takatsuki and Kasumi Arimura
(103 minutes)
Parental advice: Adult themes
Additional scenes during or after credits: Yes, during the credits we see Anna and her guardian saying their farewells to some of the village inhabitants
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1RzCN7G8F4 (Movie trailer)
(Reviewed on Thursday 16th April, 2015)
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